Communication Studies - M.A. Download to print

The School of Communication Studies offers programs of graduate study leading to the Master of Arts degree. The M.A. degree program is intended to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about human communication in various social contexts and ways in which information is produced and processed. The school also collaborates with the College of Business Administration to offer a M.A./M.B.A. dual degree program.

The Master of Arts in Communication Studies prepares individuals to pursue a doctorate degree. It also prepares individuals for non-academic careers in which a broad understanding of communication theory and research is desirable.The M.A. program focuses on the social and behavioral study of communication theory and research. Students may specialize in one or a combination of two of these areas of study:

• Global Communication
• Health Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Mediated/Mass Communication

Students are able to choose one of four degree completion options that best fits their career needs:

• Thesis
• Coursework only
• Project
• Internship

Review of assistantship applications begins January 15th for fall semester and November 15th for spring semester. For more information, visit the school's Web site at www.kent.edu/comm.

The M.A. Communication Studies/M.B.A. dual degree program is designed for students and professionals whose career goals focus on communication, particularly global communication and provides direction and leadership in economic and business development processes.

For additional studies beyond the M.A. degree, refer to the CCI Ph.D.  program description.

Official transcript(s), three letters of recommendation,TOEFL  for international students, goal statement and sample of scholarly writing. GRE scores are required only for applicants seeking graduate assistantships. For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies website.

Admission to the Dual M.A./M.B.A. degree: Applicants will have to be admitted by both degree programs.

The M.A. degree in Communication Studies requires a minimum of 32 semester hours of graduate credit. Core courses include COMM 65000, 65020, 65652 and 65794 for those holding graduate assistantships. In consultation with their advisor and the Graduate Studies Committee, students develop an approved program of study once they have completed 8 credits in the master’s program.

Graduates of the Communication Studies MA program will be able to:

1. Read, critique and engage in theory-based research involving a broad spectrum of topics in human communication. 
2. Understand and master appropriate methodological skills for the study of human communication and apply them to relevant and shifting real-world contexts that often include newer communication technologies. 
3. Utilize theory-based and state-of-the-art knowledge to stimulate and improve communication processes in educational, business and nonprofit environments. 

Graduates of the Communication Studies and Business Administration MA/MBA dual degree program will be able to:

1. Develop and apply their specialized communication skill set to influence business in global markets. 
2. Integrate knowledge of business practices and communication theory and research in the process of achieving educational and corporate goals. 

Students are able to choose one of four degree completion options that best fits their career needs:

• Thesis
• Coursework only
• Project
• Internship